It's certainly starting to get colder out, but while the late afternoon/early evening weather is still conducive, take advantage of Philadelphia's relaxing parks, like Sister Cities pictured here. (Photo by B. Krist for GPTMC)

[Evenings in Philadelphia are always action-packed, and we want to help you cherry-pick from all the events and activities going on. On certain days that promise particularly bustling evenings, we round up our selections for the most can’t-miss pursuits with which to fill your schedule. See you out there!]

Thursdays in Philadelphia never leave you hanging. On our radar tonight: a barbecue birthday party, a main stage musical, a discussion about food politics and more.

• The Academy of Natural Sciences Presents “Food Politics”: Award-winning author and nutritionist Dr. Marion Nestle will visit the Academy of Natural Sciences tonight to share her expertise on food processing and marketing within the U.S. and how promoted food products, which often are over processed, affect our health. Register for the event here.

• Local Spirit Month at Continental Old City: For only $4 per drinks, Continental Old City is celebrating their martini bar roots all November long, including tonight! Enjoy cocktails made from local spirits made by Philadelphia Distilling, Art in the Age and Cooper Spirits.

Where: Continental Old City, 138 Market Street
When: Thursday, November 8; runs through November 30
Cost: $4 per local spirit

• Percy Street Barbecue and Oskar Blues Joint Birthday Party: Celebrate barbecue and beer tonight at Percy Street Barbecue. Oskar Blues is providing the restaurant with more than 100 types of craft canned beers, celebrating their 10th year around while Percy Street celebrates their third birthday. Starting at 5 p.m., happy hour specials will run all night long, which means $3 Oskar Blues cans and half-priced bites. Dance to live music by John Francis & the Midnight Choir and at 9 p.m., enjoy a birthday party must-have… cake! But in this case, not just any cake; a huge cake shaped like a cow drinking a can of Oskar Blues. We’re there.

• The Daily Muse Meet-Up: Philly Edition!: Attention, young professionals. Head out to 10 Arts lounge tonight for a casual networking happy hour. Happy hour specials have been extended specially until 8 p.m. for the event, which means $5 wine and tasty $5 small plates. The event is brought to you by The Daily Muse, a group of young professionals who want to help you meet your career goals.

• Dodirocks Jewelry Trunk Show: Tonight at Pileggi Boutique is a Dodirocks jewelry trunk show where the new Dodirocks European jewelry collection will debut, and a 20% discount will be given on all summer jewelry. Champagne and cupcakes will also be available.

• The Music Man at the Walnut Street Theatre: The Music Man debuted at The Walnut Street theatre on Tuesday, but in case you missed it, head over to see the classic musical tonight. It boasts some of the most catchy tunes; you’re bound to know a few.

• Allagash Pig Dinner at SPTR: Head over to the South Philadelphia Tap Room for a pig dinner. The event will feature Country Time pork and many of Allagash’s most unique brews. South Philadelphia Tap Room’s Chef Scott Schroeder will prepare tasty pork dishes like pig foot scrapple.

• Lotus Farm to Table’s Beer Bash: What’s better than delicious beer and farm-to-table food? Tonight at Lotus Farm to Table in Media get both of those things. Enjoy a four-course meal by Chef Ryan Sulikowski and four perfectly paired beers from Neshaminy Creek Brewing.

• Scarlet Alley Benefit Party and Photography Exhibit: From 5-8 p.m. at Scarlet Alley in Old City, check out the photography of Alice Rizen while benefiting a good cause. The event will benefit the charity Jessie’s Day; 15% of sales will be donated to the cause. The exhibit is entitled Connections and stems from the connections that Alice Rizen has made through her travels and through her community that inspire her work.

• Philadelphia Improv Festival: In its second day, Philadelphia Improv Festival is part of the bigger Philadelphia Comedy month. Tonight, starting at 7:30 p.m. seek out some improvisational laughs at the Prince Music Theater. Improv groups hailing from Austin to right here in Philadelphia will hit the stage tonight.

• 36th Annual Philadelphia Museum Of Art Craft Show: The Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show kicks off today. Tonight, the Connect & Collect Corporate Reception is happening from 5:30-9 p.m. The event will take place in a private reception area at the Convention Center. Attendees are welcome to wander between the party and the craft show all evening.

• Theatre Exile Presents The English Bride: Opening for previews tonight at Theatre Exile is The English Bride, a psychological thriller that stems from true-life events about a woman who is flying out of London when a bomb is discovered in her luggage. As the play proceeds, more and more questions go unanswered.